Kiffin's father, Monte, a longtime NFL defensive coordinator who is also Carroll's mentor, is also on the staff.

"It's good that USC acted quickly to get a coach connecting with our history," said Carroll, who won two national titles and seven consecutive Pacific 10 titles in nine seasons. "The players will feel comfortable and be able to follow some of the same kinds of lines of what they're accustomed to.

"They're going to be good -- they have the best defensive coach in the history of the world," Carroll said. "And Lane will hit it running and take pride in recruiting and the whole deal. Lane's going to do great."